Diversity Matters

Diversity Forum

Our annual Diversity Forum is an opportunity for qualified applicants to learn more about the benefits of an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin, the strengths of the McCombs program, and how business school will ultimately affect their ability to become exceptional business leaders. While the Diversity Forum is open to everyone, African-American, Hispanic American, LGBTQ, and Native American applicants are especially encouraged to attend.

The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management

McCombs is a member of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management (CGSM) — an alliance of top universities that seeks to increase the number of minorities in MBA programs and managerial positions in business. CGSM membership is open to African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans, and others who can demonstrate a commitment to pursue the Consortium's mission. The Consortium awards merit-based, full-tuition fellowships to America's best and brightest prospective MBA students through an annual competition.

CGSM MAPS Series for Prospective Students

Each fall our Texas Full-Time MBA program participates in The Consortium's MAPS Series. The MBA Preparation Seminar (MAPS) is intended to provide prospective MBA students with strategies and resources to become better prepared for the MBA admissions process. Anyone wishing to earn an MBA can attend these free sessions by registering online. Visit the Consortium event page for additional event details.

Applying Through The Consortium

We encourage you to learn more about the Consortium, including how to apply, by visiting their webpage at http://www.cgsm.org/. If you are trying to determine if you're a fit for CGSM membership, check out the CGSM Membership Guidelines (PDF) for insight on whether you'd be a good candidate.

Benefits of applying through the consortium's common application include:

Consortium Membership - There are many benefits to consortium membership, including access to over 80 corporate partners, a mandatory Orientation Program (OP) prior to beginning their MBAs, and access to over 6,000 Consortium alumni across member schools.

The Consortium Fellowship - Each academic year, Consortium schools offer more than 340 fellowships covering tuition and mandatory fees for two years of full-time study. Applicants who are admitted through The Consortium process and become Consortium members are considered for these prestigious fellowships. Please also complete the FAFSA because individual schools may also award other merit-based scholarships and financial aid.

Common Application - One application allows you to apply to up to six Consortium schools.

Tiered Application Fee - Using The Consortium common application significantly reduces your application fee costs. You may apply to up to two member schools for $150, three schools for $200, four schools for $240, five for $275, and six for $300.

Management Leadership for Tomorrow

McCombs is one of several elite graduate business schools that have joined through Management Leadership for Tomorrow to increase the presence of qualified minorities in major graduate business schools as preparation to realize their full career potential. Over a nearly 12-month period culminating in their application submissions, participants receive one-on-one coaching from experienced MLT staff and MBA admissions officers and attend seminars focusing on key elements of the application process. Some areas of emphasis include GMAT preparation, school research and selection, and application/essay strategy.

National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA)

The Texas MBA Black Graduate Business Association partners with the National Black MBA Association. The NBMBAA was established in 1970, and is dedicated to fostering partnerships and raising the intellectual and economic wealth in the black community. The association has inroads into a wide range of industries in the public and private sector, works with more than 400 of the country’s top business organizations. McCombs participates in various networking events with NBMBAA on a local level and each year about 20 MBAs travel to the Annual Conference & Exposition, which features additional networking events and career fairs.

National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA)

McCombs is a corporate advisory board member of NSHMBA, which is widely regarded as a "Premier Hispanic Organization." NSHMBA serves 32 chapters and 8,000 members in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. It exists to foster Hispanic leadership through graduate management education and professional development. McCombs participates in local and national events with NSHMBA, including their annual Conference and Career Expo.